I chose the DiaryDoll knicker because it seemed to be the only European/UK based brand. For quick shipping and no chances of duties or customs charges being applied to my order, I selected their knicker, panty, brief, bottom...whatever you wish to call it. Now, from looking at their website, they only have one style, in four sizes, and in four colours, black being my obvious choice. It’s a relatively limited size range, with me requiring the largest - the UK 18/20, which they call Size 4, which seems appropriate for fit, my most recent purchases of jeans were a UK18 from Next and a size 16 in Canada from Marks Work Warehouse.

I wasn’t able to get the knickers direct from DiaryDoll as they were out of stock in my size in black. Searching online, I also found them on Debenhams (which aren't on there anymore!), but wasn’t able to complete the purchase online using PayPal or my Canadian credit card. I then discovered them at Boots! Since I live in Germany, and I didn’t want to ship them here and pay any extra postage, I had them shipped to my UK address and my partner brought them to me on his most recent visit. They were quickly delivered and I was excited to see them to give them a try!

They came in a cute little blue box and were folded nicely inside. I opened it up, took them out…AND LAUGHED HYSTERICALLY. And then I just got angry, and concerned.

The knickers are not quite what I anticipated. As a lingerie designer, specialising in grading, I know a thing or two about how knickers should look. The gusset on these was incredibly wide! Nearly double the width of knickers that I usually wear on any given day. I was so shocked I messaged some blog-lady friends on Facebook who are cross-posting some leak-proof panty reviews, and they confirmed that theirs were not nearly as wide.

The comparison! My size 4 (18-20) DiaryDoll knicker has a gusset width just shy of 11cm. My Bravissimo knickers in a size XL (UK16) are about half that at 5.5cm, which admittedly are a bit narrow, but I've honestly no complaints about these knickers (besides the fact they are a bit high at the waist in the back for me.)

I reached out to DiaryDoll on Facebook, and they assured me that the width of the gusset was intentional to be able to fit a nighttime-style pad and still help prevent leaks. Oh-kaaay…

Hmmm, I'm not overly concerned about nighttime leaks, and I never have issues with my pad at the sides - mostly the back. I can feel the width at times. Not assured DD.

The verdict?First Wear: The knickers fit well around the waist and hip and leg openings. I put these knickers through their paces first wear with a road trip. After walking about 7.5km and sitting on a combination of busses and trains for 5+ hours here are some of my fit, feel and function thoughts.

Not a heavy menstruation day, but it’s possible they’ll prevent leaks, just like what it says on the tin. My backside feels sweaty at times, more than my usual knickers. That must be the leak-proof layer laminated to the cotton layer of fabric against my skin. The outer layer is made of a Viscose blend.

I can feel that extra width at the gusset at times. It is rolling into the crease of my legs and feels tight at the front. It doesn’t rub or chafe, but it is something I’m aware of.

There are little wrinkles along the front of the knicker because they are bunching up due to the wide gusset. Hate to break it to you Carol and Annabel, but I think they’re too wide, and they’re really not pretty, especially when they do this. #bunchycrotch

Other thoughts:Based on the price, these knickers are about 3x the cost of my normal, everyday cotton knickers that I buy in a 3-pack. Since they’re “special” I really don’t think the cost is that much of an issue. The knickers are made in China, which is a tad disappointing, as I kinda wish I would have spent 2x as much as I did, and rather have got the Dear Kates, which come in way more styles and colours, have lace details, were one of the first doing this (if not the first) AND they are made in New York City, so more likely to be ethically made.

Second & Third Wear: Ok, I’ll admit. I like the idea of these, so I’ve been hand washing them at night and laying them on the radiator to dry. I’ve only got one pair…and they’re for a certain few days in my calendar each month. The bunching is less noticeable, but I know I don’t need these knickers so wide in the gusset. I won’t pick up a second pair, as I’d prefer to give another brand a shot.

Overall opinion: They’ll do, but I will seek out other leak-proof panties for alternative and interesting designs, as these aren’t any more interesting than the black cotton Jockey bikinis I wear most days. As a lingerie designer, the incredibly wide gusset on these knickers still bothers me. I wonder how wide it is in the smaller sizes? Has anyone tried them, or other leak proof knickers?

It's a shame the packaging is so much more pretty than the knicker.
Your going to spend more on those you'd want them to look more expensive aswell!
I can't really see where the extra expense has gone, I'm sure the wider gusset does make that much more of a cost ha.

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Kimberly

3/28/2016 01:05:15 pm

The price is a little on the 'high' side, but it is a specialty knicker. In terms of construction, there are only side seams, there is no gusset seam. The leak-proof layer is laminated, and due to the very large size of the piece of fabric, as it's one giant panel, the usage costs would be high. Another thing to note is that this is the only product they produce, and in China, so I expect their minimum order quantity to be relatively high. I've worn them a few more times, and they're ok. I won't be buying more from this exact brand, but I will consider alternatives. I've 'bought into' the concept now.

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Educating women on the benefits of proper fitting bras is important to Kim. Designing lingerie that complements the fuller figure, and is comfortable, on-trend and beautifully constructed is her mission.

Kimberly is a graduate of the prestigious Contour Fashion program at De Montfort University.

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